David Denton: Leaving Edinburgh my hardest decision

DAVID DENTON insists he made the “hardest decision” of his life when leaving Edinburgh Rugby to join Bath.

Back rower Denton said farewell to his colleagues yesterday and left for the Aviva Premiership club where he is seen as a replacement for Sam Burgess, the cross-code England internationalist who has returned to rugby league.

The compensation received for Burgess has enabled Bath to buy out the remaining months of Denton’s contract, enabling the 25-year-old to move – subject to a satisfactory medical – now rather than at the end of the season.

Denton last played for Edinburgh in April when he made his 78th appearance in the match against Munster. He spent the summer with the Scotland squad and was unavailable for the opening Guinness PRO12 matches because of his involvement at the World Cup where he took his cap tally to 32.

Denton is currently injured and, as recently as last week, was in the plans of Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons, who suggested the Zimbabwe-born player might return for the European Challenge Cup tie in Agen on November 20.

The player, who qualifies for Scotland through a mother hailing from Glasgow, arrived in the city as a teenage student and earned a place at the Edinburgh Rugby Academy before signing a full professional contract in 2010.

Explaining his motivation to head south of the Border, Denton said: “I’ve had an incredible six years at Edinburgh and came to call it my home. It’s been the hardest decision I’ve ever made, as I am going to miss the club, but I am really looking forward to an opportunity to play at one of the premier clubs in Europe.”

Solomons expressed his disappointment at the loss of the player.

He said: “He’s been a model professional. His powerful performances and work ethic have been outstanding.

“I know this wasn’t an easy decision for him and I, and everyone at the club, wish him all the very best for the future.”